Lexi Daniels

A person’s mindset with having bad mental health. Students often struggle with this due to the many pressures they face.

Middle school and high school students continue to struggle with their mental health while also adding school and sports to the mix. Spending hours training for sports, and doing homework, these students barely have time to spend time with their friends and families. 

Students often face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. The pressure to excel academically, perform well in sports, and navigate social relationships can be overwhelming. Students may also experience stress related to future plans. Athletes also may deal with the added pressure of competition, injuries, and balancing their time between academics and sports. 

“I think mental health matters because some people go through things and they’re not able to talk to anybody.” said Iker Cuevas, a junior high school athlete.

Keeping your struggles with mental health can intensify feelings of isolation and make it harder to find help. When speaking up about your mental health, it not only relieves some of the burden but will also encourage others to open up about their own struggles. 

“I think everyone would benefit from taking care of their mental health, for example, I think everybody should be in therapy.” said English teacher Mr. Smith.

Taking care of your mental health not only benefits your physical health, but it benefits you as a person. Overall, it makes you healthier and happier. 

Mental health should be talked about more because it’s just as important as physical health. By openly discussing mental health, we can break the stigma surrounding it and encourage people to seek help when they need it. This helps create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable and validated. Raising awareness about mental health issues can lead to better access to resources and support for those who are struggling. 

It’s important to recognize that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of age or accomplishments. By acknowledging these challenges and providing support, we can help students prioritize their mental well-being.